Ibiza Luxury Destination celebrated its 16th Annual Gala on Wednesday at BLESS Ibiza The Site, bringing together business leaders, institutional representatives, the media, and some of the most prominent figures from the island’s luxury tourism and hospitality sectors. The event served to celebrate the club’s 16-year history and, at the same time, to reaffirm an idea that continues to define Ibiza’s position on the international luxury map: its greatest value lies not in trying to be like other destinations, but precisely in staying true to itself as Ibiza.
The gala also served to present two new ambassadors representing two of Ibiza’s main strengths on the international scene: the business community and gastronomy. Abel Matutes Prats, president of Palladium Hotel Group and vice president of the Matutes Group of Companies, has joined as an ambassador in recognition of his business career and his role in the development of the island’s tourism sector. He is joined by Dabiz Muñoz, head chef of DiverXO and one of Spain’s most internationally recognized chefs, who is also joining the project. The chef, who holds three Michelin stars, is also strengthening his ties to Ibiza with the launch of StreetXO Ibiza, contributing to the island’s position as one of the world’s leading gastronomic destinations.
The selection of both profiles also reflects the evolution of Ibiza itself. The island’s appeal can no longer be explained solely by its beaches, its landscape, or its historical connection to culture and nightlife. Today, its value proposition also includes a booming hotel industry, high-end gastronomy, entrepreneurial talent, exclusive experiences, and a growing ability to attract internationally relevant projects and personalities.
The gala was attended by a large number of members of Ibiza Luxury Destination, as well as former ambassadors of the project, including Carlos Martorell, José Lamuño, and Fiona Ferrer, who wanted to join the organization on this particularly meaningful night. During the event, Nuria Moreno, president of Ibiza Luxury Destination, reviewed the club’s history and welcomed the new members and ambassadors joining the project.
“When we started this project, we were very clear that Ibiza shouldn’t look like any other destination, because its greatest value lies in being Ibiza,” said Moreno. A philosophy the president summarized in a phrase that has now become a declaration of principles: “Luxury is being in Ibiza.” For Moreno, this is not just a slogan, but a way of understanding the destination. The light, the sea, the cuisine, the culture, the landscapes, and the traditions are part of this identity, but there is one element that is even more difficult to replicate: the people who make visitors to the island want to return.
Introduction of the new members
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the new partners of Ibiza Luxury Destination: BLESS Ibiza The Site, Boating Ibiza, Island Casino Events, Nômade Temple Ibiza, NH Collection Ibiza, and Ibiza Gallery.
Nuria Moreno wanted to express a special thank you to BLESS Ibiza The Site for hosting the gala, and to the Ibiza and Formentera Tourism Board for their continued support of the project over the past 16 years. The anniversary comes at a time when Ibiza’s greatest challenge is not only to maintain its position as a leading destination, but also to preserve what makes it unique while continuing to evolve.
“I will continue to defend this island with the same enthusiasm I had when I started, convinced that when we work together and take care of what we have, there is no destination in the world that can compete with us,” Moreno concluded. After 16 years, Ibiza Luxury Destination continues to focus its strategy on a simple idea: the true luxury of Ibiza is not what you can buy on the island, but what you can only experience there.
